2025 Mulam Yifan Festival holds splendid events

Mulam Yifan Festival was held at Chenglong Lake Park, Chenglong Lake Square, and the sports center in autonomous county of the Mulam ethnic group on Nov 8, with a series of exciting activities taking place in succession.

The Yifan Festival, recognized in 2006 as the first collection of intangible cultural heritages under national protection, is a significant event for the Mulam people to honor their ancestors and celebrate the harvest.

Performers present the stage show Happy Yifan Festival. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

The day's events started with a marathon featuring more than 2,500 participants running along Chenglong Lake Park's 4.3-kilometer route. At the sports center, representatives from over ten ethnic groups, such as Han, Mulam, and Zhuang, in festive clothes, joined hands to create a large circle symbolizing unity and danced to lively music.

Participants dance together in a "circle of unity". [Photo/Hechi Daily]

The highly competitive Mulam bamboo ball contest highlighted the community's bravery and unity. The cultural and tourism food festival was equally engaging. Events like shared tasting of hearty soup and a cooking contest drew many participants, with local specialties made by different teams gaining broad praise.

People compete in the bamboo ball contest. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

The 2025 Mulam Yifan Festival showcased the charm of this national intangible cultural heritage with a variety of activities. It helped bring Mulam culture to a wider audience, strengthening its brand and cultural influence.